In their raucous tumult, as they rampage through the earth, the ravaging voices demand our silence. And it’s true, often we retreat, concluding that to speak the truth is a sin, and that it is better that we disappear, returning to obscurity, never to be heard again.
The assured ones are on the hunt for opposing voices, whom they will cut down by whatever means, legitimate or underhand. None is safe from their assault, it seems, no matter how insignificant or unknown.
All must be brought into line, to speak with a united voice in favour of whichever cause rules the moment, regardless of imperatives to speak the truth or be upright and just. Sometimes silence can be bought with a bribe or legal settlement. Sometimes only with threats to lives, livelihoods or reputation.
It’s no wonder so many good people retreat, allowing those ravaging voices to gain the ascendency as they rampage through the earth with their raucous tumult. Who would dare take on the powerful, granted the authority to make or break? Who dares witness to truth, except those who fear their Lord?
Only the latter dare proclaim, “Speak the truth even when it is bitter.”
Last modified: 15 August 2023
